Both Defensemen May Suit Up Versus Nashville

Defenseman Scott Hannan was not on the ice Tuesday morning during the Colorado Avalanche’s practice at Family Sports Center, but could return to the lineup on Wednesday night when the Avs host the Nashville Predators.

“We wanted to make sure he had some rest today,” said Avalanche head coach Joe Sacco. “He woke up today feeling much better. We’re hopeful to have him back in the lineup tomorrow night.”

Hannan (neck) was injured during Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers. After burying a Paul Stastny feed from the slot for his second goal of the year, Hannan was hit with a cross-check high and late by Flyers forward Danny Briere. The defenseman left the game after the hit and did not return.

Though Hannan didn’t skate today, Avalanche captain Adam Foote did. Following the practice, Foote talked about the jaw injury that has caused him to miss the past three games.

“It was nothing. The thing is I just got nicked. It wasn’t a full hit,” said Foote. “Just bad luck, I should have been more aware.”

Sacco noted that Foote could also be in the lineup against Nashville, depending on how the defenseman feels in the morning.

“He went through practice today. I talked to him after, he felt fine,” said Sacco. “If everything goes according to plan tomorrow morning he’ll be in tomorrow night too.”

In other news, forward Matt Hendricks – currently on the injured reserve list with a groin injury – skated prior to today’s practice. Hendricks was placed on IR Nov. 19 (retroactive to Nov. 14) and has missed the past four games.

Finally, Craig Anderson will start his 23rd game of the season tomorrow against the Predators.

The Other Side
Nashville comes into Wednesday’s game as perhaps the hottest team in the league. The Predators topped Detroit on Monday by a 3-1 count, giving the team its sixth consecutive victory. Their last five wins came during an extended homestand, but the team has also won 10 of its last 12 contests overall.

One reason behind Nashville’s success has been the club’s improved power play. Although they rank 24th overall this season with a 17.2% success rate (15-of-87), the Predators totaled eight power-play goals during their recent five-game homestand.